Zishou Temple

CHINA, Shanxi, Jinzhong

Zishou means Wealth and Longevity. The temple was constructed in 870 during the Tang dynasty and has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. A major reconstruction occurred in 1467 during the Ming dynasty, so that most of the existing buildings are of Ming (1368–1644) design. The temple was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
The south-facing temple is 400 m long and 300 m wide. It consists of two compounds: the front compound includes the main temple gate, side halls, and the Heavenly King Hall; the back compound contains the Great Hero Hall, Amitabha Hall (Water and Land Hall), Medicine Buddha Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, and the Arhat Hall.
The main temple gate was built during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The two-story gate has a square layout and is made of brick. On the lower level there is the arched entrance, above which there is a pavilion with a hip-and-gable roof in the shape of a cross. The roof is covered in glazed tiles. Most of the buildings within the temple have an overhanging gable roof and a portico at the front.
The murals within the temple can be found in various places such as the Great Hero Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, and the Amitabha Hall. They were painted during the time of reconstruction, during the Ming dynasty. The murals cover an area of 161 sq m.
Apart from murals, the sculptures featured within the temple are also of interest. There are more than 100 colored molded statues scattered within the temple with those found in the Arhat Hall and Ksitigarbha Hall being the most noteworthy. The Arhat Hall enshrines the Sixteen Arhats, while the Ksitigarbha Hall contains the Ten Kings of Hell.